Vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus having a small heat resistance and a large heat transport capacity. A heat exchange circulating solution container has a first space and a second space communicating with the first space through a communication opening and contains a heat exchange circulating solution, and vapor thereof, in each space. A circulating solution transport passage includes a pipe connected to the solution outlet of the container and provided with a sensible heat releasing heat exchanger, a pipe disposed in the container, and a pipe connected to a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet and provided with a heating heat exchanger. A vapor-liquid two-phase fluid flows into only the first space through the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet. When the entrance of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid has caused a pressure difference between the first and second spaces, a difference occurs between the positions of the vapor-liquid interfaces in the first and second spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heat transport apparatus. Inparticular, the invention relates to an vapor-lift pump (bubble pump)type heat transport apparatus that uses an vapor-lift pump and requiresno external motive power.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, thermosyphons (i.e., heat pipes using gravity) are usedas heat transport apparatus that use no external motive power. However,thermosyphons are limited in heat transport directions; in particular,it is difficult to perform downward heat transport. In thesecircumstances, a heat transport apparatus using an vapor-lift pump hasbeen developed as a new heat transport apparatus (refer toJP-A-2002-122392, for example). As shown in FIG. 1 of JP-A-2002-122392,this heat transport apparatus is equipped with a heat exchangecirculating solution container for containing a heat exchangecirculating solution whose temperature is increased to a hightemperature and high-temperature vapor produced from the heat exchangecirculating solution by a phase change. The heat exchange circulatingsolution container is provided with a solution outlet and a vapor-liquidtwo-phase fluid inlet, and a circulating solution transport pipe isconnected to the solution outlet and the vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinlet. The circulating solution transport pipe includes a solutionoutflow pipe that is connected to the solution outlet, anintra-container pipe that penetrates through the heat exchangecirculating solution container, and a vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinflow pipe that is connected to the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet.The solution outflow pipe is provided with a sensible heat releasingheat exchanger and the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe isprovided with a heating heat exchanger.

The conventional heat transport apparatus having the aboveconfiguration, which transports heat from a high-temperature heat sourceto a heat sink utilizing a density difference that occurs in the heatexchange circulating solution in the circulating solution transport pipedue to a vapor-liquid phase change of the circulating solution, enablesheat transport in an arbitrary direction without using external motivepower.

However, the conventional heat transport apparatus has problems that amaximum heat transport capacity is small, the heat resistance is large(i.e., the heat characteristics are poor), and heat transport isdifficult with a small temperature difference.

Another problem is that when the heat load is light the circulation flowrate of the heat exchange circulating solution that circulates throughthe circulating solution transport pipe intermits to cause vibration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems andthereby provide an vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus havinga small heat resistance and a large heat transport capacity. Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a highly reliable vapor-lift pumptype heat transport apparatus in which the circulation flow rate of acirculating solution does not tend to ripple.

An vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to a firstaspect of the invention comprises a heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer that has a first space and a second space communicating withthe first space through a communication opening formed in a bottomportion of the container, and that contains a heat exchange circulatingsolution and vapor thereof in each of the first space and the secondspace; a solution outlet through which a heat exchange circulatingsolution is output from the container; a vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinlet through which a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid consisting of ahigh-temperature heat exchange circulating solution and vapor bubblesthereof is input to only the first space of the container; and acirculating solution transport passage having a first transport passageconnected to the solution outlet and provided with a sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger, a second transport passage through which aninside, low-temperature heat exchange circulating solution exchangesheat with the heat exchange circulating solution in the first space orthe heat exchange circulating solution and its vapor in the first space,and a third transport passage connected to the vapor-liquid two-phasefluid inlet and provided with a heating heat exchanger, each of thefirst and third transport passages being connected to the secondtransport passage.

In this vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus, the positions ofthe vapor-liquid interfaces in the two spaces vary passively inaccordance with the magnitude of the heat load, whereby pressureincrease in the apparatus can be suppressed. This provides an advantagethat a heat transport apparatus having a large heat transport capacitycan be obtained. A large amount of heat can be transported even with asmall temperature difference. Further, the conditions relating to thewithstand pressure design can be relaxed and hence the weight of theapparatus can be reduced.

An vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to a secondaspect of the invention comprises a heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer that contains a heat exchange circulating solution and vaporthereof; a solution outlet through which the heat exchange circulatingsolution is output from the container; a vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinlet through which a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid consisting of ahigh-temperature heat exchange circulating solution and vapor bubblesthereof is input to the container; an opening that is formed in a topportion of the container and communicates with an environmental space ofthe container; and a circulating solution transport passage having afirst transport passage connected to the solution outlet and providedwith a sensible heat releasing heat exchanger, a second transportpassage through which an inside, low-temperature heat exchangecirculating solution exchanges heat with the heat exchange circulatingsolution in the container or the heat exchange circulating solution andits vapor in the container, and a third transport passage connected tothe vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet and provided with a heating heatexchanger, each of the first and third transport passages beingconnected to the second transport passage.

This configuration makes it possible to provide an vapor-lift pump typeheat transport apparatus having a small heat resistance and a large heattransport capacity.

An vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to a thirdaspect of the invention comprises a heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer that contains a heat exchange circulating solution and vaporthereof; a solution outlet through which the heat exchange circulatingsolution is output from the container; a solution inlet through which aheat exchange circulating solution is input to the container; and acirculating solution transport passage having a first transport passageconnected to the solution outlet and provided with a sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger, a second transport passage through which aninside heat exchange circulating solution exchanges heat with the heatexchange circulating solution in the container, and a third transportpassage connected to the solution inlet and provided with a heating heatexchanger, each of the first and third transport passages beingconnected to the second transport passage. A portion of the thirdtransport passage between the solution inlet and the heating heatexchanger is in contact with the second transport passage, and the heatexchange circulating solution inside the second transport passageexchanges heat with a heat exchange circulating solution inside thethird transport passage and vapor bubbles thereof.

This configuration makes it possible to provide an vapor-lift pump typeheat transport apparatus having a small heat resistance and a large heattransport capacity.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages ofthe present invention will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the vapor-lift pump type heat transportapparatus according to the first embodiment in a heavy heat load state;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a furthervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a fifth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a seventh embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the seventhembodiment;

FIGS. 14A-14C are sectional views showing the configuration of anvapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to an eighthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a ninth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a 10th embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the 10thembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a furthervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the 10thembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to an 11th embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a gas bubble nucleus according to the 11thembodiment;

FIG. 21 shows another a gas bubble nucleus according to the 11thembodiment;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a 12th embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are sectional views showing the configuration ofanother vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the12th embodiment;

FIG. 24 shows the configuration of an air-conditioning system for a caseaccording to a 13th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 shows the configuration of another air-conditioning system for acase according to the 13th embodiment;

FIG. 26 shows the configurations of a building air-conditioning systemand a floor heating system according to the 13th embodiment;

FIG. 27 shows the configuration of an air-conditioning system forgreenhouse cultivation according to the 13th embodiment;

FIG. 28 shows the configuration of an outdoor measuring instrumentcooling apparatus according to a 14th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 shows the configuration of an application example according to a15th embodiment of the invention that is used for suppressing a heatisland phenomenon;

FIG. 30 shows the configuration of an application example according tothe 15th embodiment that is used for seasonal snow melting or desertafforestation;

FIGS. 31A and 31B show the configuration of a pumpless water coolingsystem according to a 16th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 shows the configuration of a high-efficiency incineratoraccording to a 17th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 shows the configuration of a hybrid heat utilization systemaccording to an 18th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 shows the configuration of an application example according to a19th embodiment of the invention that is used for drawing deep-seawater;

FIG. 35 shows the configuration of a desalination plant as anapplication example according to a 20th embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 shows the configuration of an application example according to a21st embodiment in which the invention is applied to construction oflunar living quarters;

FIG. 37 shows the configuration of another application example accordingto the 21st embodiment in which the invention is applied to constructionof lunar living quarters; and

FIG. 38 shows the configuration of an application example according to a23rd embodiment that utilizes a basement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiment 1

The above-described conventional heat transport apparatus has suchproblems as a small maximum heat transport capacity and a large heatresistance. However, the present invention has been made by revealingthat these problems are caused by a pressure increase in the container.

As the heat load increases, a large amount of vapor bubbles generated inthe heating heat exchanger comes to flow into the heat exchangecirculating solution container. Since the heat exchange capability ofthe outer surface of the intra-container pipe is small, the vaporbubbles cannot condense sufficiently and hence the pressure inside theapparatus increases. As a result, the saturation temperature inside theapparatus increases and the difference between the temperatures insideand outside the intra-container pipe becomes large. Since thetemperature difference between the heating heat exchanger and thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger increases, the heat resistance ofthe apparatus is much deteriorated (increased). Heat cannot betransported unless the difference between the temperatures inside andoutside the intra-container pipe is large; that is, heat transport isdifficult with a small temperature difference. Further, the maximum heattransport capacity becomes small because of a heat transport limit thatis caused by the increase of the pressure inside the container. Thiswill be described below more specifically. The saturation temperatureincreases as the pressure inside the container increases. As thesaturation temperature increases, the ratio of the increase of thesaturation pressure to the increase of the saturation temperaturebecomes larger and hence the pressure inside the apparatus increasesrapidly with the increase of the heat load. On the other hand, theconventional vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus transportsheat utilizing buoyancy that is produced by a density differenceoccurring in the heat exchange circulating solution. As the pressureinside the apparatus increases, the density of vapor bubbles generatedincreases and resulting decrease in the volumes of the vapor bubblesmakes it difficult to obtain high buoyancy. This lowers the circulationflow rate of the solution and in turn decreases the heat exchangecapability through the intra-container pipe. As a result, the saturationtemperature increases and the pressure inside the apparatus increasesfurther. A heat transport limit that is caused by the increased pressureinside the apparatus that results from the above vicious circledecreases the maximum heat transport capacity. A further increase of thepressure inside the apparatus may even destroy the apparatus.

An vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to thisembodiment is characterized in being configured so as to minimize theprobability that the pressure inside the apparatus reaches such a valueas to start the above-described vicious cycle; that is, it is configuredso as to be able to suppress increase of the pressure inside theapparatus. Further, the heat exchange capability through theintra-container pipe is increased to lower the pressure increase ratewith respect to the heat load, which makes it possible to increase themaximum heat transport capacity.

The first embodiment of the invention will be hereinafter described withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump (bubble pump) type heat transport apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 contains a heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 whose temperature is increased to a high temperature andhigh-temperature vapor 12 produced from the solution 1 by a phase changeand retains latent heat. A partition 3 is provided in the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 and divides the space inside thecontainer 4 into a first space 4 a and a second space 4 b. The firstspace 4 a and the second space 4 b communicate with each other via anopening 2 or a gap (i.e., a communication opening). Because of theopening 2, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 occupies parts ofthe first space 4 a and the second space 4 b. That is, the first space 4a and the second space 4 b communicate with each other via the opening 2that is located in the space that is filled with the heat exchangecirculating solution 1, and do not communicate with each other in thespace that is occupied by the high-temperature vapor 12 (i.e., a vaporspace). The heat exchange circulating solution container 4 is providedwith a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet 8 and a solution outlet 5through which to send out a heat exchange circulating solution 1 fromthe container 4. A vapor-liquid two-phase fluid consisting of a heatexchange circulating solution 1 whose temperature has been increased toa high temperature and vapor bubbles 13 that have been produced from theheat exchange circulating solution 1 that has been increased intemperature and boiled flows into the container 4 through thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet 8. The vapor-liquid two-phase fluidentering the container 4 through the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet8 goes into only the first space 4 a and does not go into the secondspace 4 b. As described above, the first space 4 a and the second space4 b communicate with each other through the opening 2 and the heatexchange circulating solution 1 can freely move between them. Therefore,when a pressure difference has occurred between the first space 4 a andthe second space 4 b by entrance of a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid intothe first space 4 a, the vapor-liquid interface positions of the firstspace 4 a and the second space 4 b can easily vary due to the pressuredifference.

It is preferable that the heat exchange circulating solution 1 be afluid that is superior in heat characteristics (e.g., the heatconductivity is high and the specific heat is large), is fluidity (e.g.,the viscosity coefficient is small), and has a large liquid-to-vapordensity ratio. Examples of the heat exchange circulating solution 1 aresingle-component liquids such as distilled water, alcohol, and a liquidmetal, water solutions such as an antifreeze solution and a watersolution of alcohol, and mixed liquids such as a magnetic fluid all ofwhich are capable of vapor-liquid phase change. The vapor 12 is producedby vaporization of the heat exchange circulating solution 1 or part ofits components. Alternatively, a non-condensing gas such as air may bemixed into the heat exchange circulating solution 1.

A circulating solution transport pipe A is connected to the solutionoutlet 5 and the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet 8 of the heatexchange circulating solution container 4 to form a circulating solutiontransport passage through which the heat exchange circulating solution 1circulates.

The circulating solution transport pipe A includes a solution outflowpipe (first transport passage) 6 that is connected to the solutionoutlet 5, an intra-container pipe (second transport passage) 7 that goesthrough the first space 4 a of the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4, and a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe (thirdtransport passage) 9 that is connected to the vapor-liquid two-phasefluid inlet 8. A heat exchange circulating solution 1 goes out of theheat exchange circulating solution container 4, goes through thesolution outflow pipe 6, the intra-container pipe 7, and thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9, and returns to the container4.

The solution outflow pipe 6 of the circulating solution transport pipe Ais provided with a sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10. Acirculating solution 1 going through the solution outflow pipe 6releases heat to the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 throughthe pipe wall. The vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9 isprovided with a heating heat exchanger 11. A circulating solution 1going through the solution outflow pipe 6 absorbs heat from, that is, isheated by, the heating heat exchanger 11 through the pipe wall.

The heating heat exchanger 11 is a heat emission portion of a heatingbody of an electronic apparatus or the like or a heat emission portionof an apparatus for transporting heat from the heating body. Thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is a heat receiving portion ofa heat transport apparatus such as a heat pipe or a heat emission wallutilizing natural or forced convection heat transmission, radiation, orthe like. Alternatively, each of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflowpipe 9 which is provided with the heating heat exchanger 11 and thesolution outflow pipe 6 which is provided with the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10 may be exposed directly to an arbitraryspace (e.g., the air, water, or soil) and be heated or release heat byheat conduction, natural or forced convection heat transmission,radiation, or the like. Fins or the like may be provided on a heatemission wall or the outer surface of its exposed portion. A windreceived during running may be used for cooling the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10.

A plurality of heating heat exchangers 11 and/or a plurality of sensibleheat releasing heat exchangers 10 may be disposed along the flowpassage.

The circulating solution transport pipe A is the passage fortransporting the heat exchange circulating solution 1 and is a circularpipe, an elliptical pipe, a rectangular pipe, a corrugated pipe (i.e.,flexible pipe), or the like. In the circulating solution transport pipeA, the wall surfaces of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid in flow pipe 9which is provided with the heating heat exchanger 11, the solutionoutflow pipe 6 which is provided with the sensible heat releasing heatexchanger 10, and the intra-container pipe 7 serve as heat transmissionwall surfaces. A turbulence promotion body, a swirl flow promotion body(e.g., twisted tape), fins, or the like for promotion of heattransmission may provided inside each pipe. Or a spiral pipe or a snakedpipe may be used as each pipe to increase the heat transmission area perunit volume. The intra-container pipe 7 serves for heat exchange betweenthe heat exchange circulating solution 1 in the intra-container pipe 7and the heat exchange circulating solution 1 and the vapor 12 outsidethe intra-container pipe 7. Fins or the like may be provided on theouter surface of the intra-container pipe 7.

Next, the operation of the heat transport apparatus according to theembodiment will be described. A heat exchange circulating solution 1contained in the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 andretaining high-temperature heat goes out of the container, flows throughthe circulating solution transport pipe A, and returns to the container4 to complete one circulation through the apparatus. In passing throughthe solution outflow pipe 6 of the circulating solution transport pipeA, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 releases sensible heat tothe sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 (i.e., heat exchanged isperformed) and is thereby cooled to a low temperature. Then, in passingthrough the intra-container pipe 7, the heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 is preliminarily heated by the high-temperature heat exchangecirculating solution 1 contained in the first space 4 a or thehigh-temperature heat exchange circulating solution 1 and the vapor 12produced from the circulating solution 1 and is thereby increased intemperature. The temperature-increased heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 is further increased in temperature by the heating heatexchanger 11 attached to the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9and is thereby boiled. The heat exchange circulating solution 1 thenreturns to the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 whilegenerating vapor bubbles 13. After returning to the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4, the heat exchange circulating solution1 again flows through the circulating solution transport pipe A andduring that course it is cooled, preliminarily heated, and increased intemperature to the boiling temperature.

In the heat transport apparatus according to this embodiment, the heatexchange circulating solution 1 is circulated through the apparatus byutilizing the density difference (i.e., the buoyancy due to the densitydifference) that is caused in the circulating solution transport pipe Aby the phase change of the heat exchange circulating solution 1. Thatis, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 is circulated by utilizingthe difference between the apparent density of the vapor-liquidtwo-phase fluid in the portion of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinflow pipe 9 from the heating heat exchanger 11 to the vapor-liquidtwo-phase fluid inlet 8 and the density of the heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 in the portion of the circulating solution transport pipe Ain the same height range as the above portion of the vapor-liquidtwo-phase fluid inflow pipe 9. As the above circulation is repeated,high-temperature heat transmitted from the heating heat exchanger 11 istransported to the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 and heat istransported from the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 toanother apparatus or a heat sink.

In the heat transport apparatus according to the embodiment, during theheat transport, as the amount of heat (i.e., heat load) transmitted fromthe heating heat exchanger 11 to the heat exchange circulating solution1 increases, the amount of vapor bubbles 13 entering the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 increases and the amount of vapor 12 inthe first space 4 a increases. However, the position of the vapor-liquidinterface is self-adjusted by virtue of the presence of the second space4 b that communicates with the first space 4 a, which prevents increaseof the pressure inside the first space 4 a. Since the position of thevapor-liquid interface varies, the portion that exchanges heat with thevapor 12 in the container 4 increases to enhance the condensationcapability, whereby the increase of the pressure inside the apparatuscan be suppressed. Since the increase of the saturation temperature inthe apparatus is thereby suppressed, the temperature difference betweenthe heating heat exchanger 11 and the sensible heat releasing heatexchanger 10 is kept low and heat transport with a small temperaturedifference is facilitated. Further, since the increase of the pressureinside the first space 4 a is suppressed, the decrease of the maximumheat transport capacity can be suppressed. Still further, since theincrease of the pressure inside the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 is suppressed, it is not necessary to make the outer wallsof the container 4 and the pipes thick, which enables weight reductionof the apparatus.

As the amount of heat (i.e., heat load) transmitted from the heatingheat exchanger 11 to the heat exchange circulating solution 1 increases,the position of the vapor-liquid interface between the first space 4 aand the second space 4 b is self-adjusted. That is, as shown in FIG. 2,the vapor-liquid interface in the first space 4 a that contains theintra-container pipe 7 lowers and the vapor-liquid interface in thesecond space 4 b that does not contain the intra-container pipe 7 rises.As a result, the contact area between the intra-container pipe 7 and thevapor 12 increases, that is, the area of the portion where heat exchangeis performed in the form of condensation heat transmission, which ishighly efficient, increases. The heat resistance of the heat exchangeinvolving the intra-container pipe 7 is thus decreased.

In the conventional heat transport apparatus, the circulation flow rateof the circulating solution ripples when the heat load is light. This isbecause in the conventional heat transport apparatus, a part of theintra-container pipe is always located above the vapor-liquid interfacein the heat exchange circulating solution container. That is, in thespace above the vapor-liquid interface, the pressure inside theintra-container pipe is lower than the pressure inside the heat exchangecirculating solution container. Therefore, the heat exchange circulatingsolution in the intra-container pipe boils easily. Generated vaporbubbles impair the flow of the heat exchange circulating solutionthrough the circulating solution transport pipe and cause a ripple inthe circulation flow rate. Further, since the contact area between theintra-container pipe and the vapor is large, if the heat load is lightand the flow of the circulating liquid is slow, the heat exchange in theintra-container becomes so efficient as to cause a boil in theintra-container pipe. Generated vapor bubbles impair the flow of theheat exchange circulating solution through the circulating solutiontransport pipe and cause a ripple in the circulation flow rate.

In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in an initial stateof heat transport all or most of the intra-container pipe 7 is incontact with the heat exchange circulating solution 1 (i.e., theintra-container pipe 7 is not in contact with the vapor 12 at all oronly a small part of the former is in contact with the latter). That is,the intra-container pipe (second transport passage) 7 is provided sothat at least in an initial state of heat transport it is located underthe vapor-liquid interface in the first space or its top is in contactwith the vapor-liquid interface. With this measure, the above state ismaintained while the heat load is light. Since the difference betweenthe pressure inside the heat exchange circulating solution container 4and the pressure inside the intra-container pipe 7 is small and the heatexchange capability through the intra-container pipe 7 is weak, a boildoes not tend to occur in the intra-container pipe 7 and the circulationflow rate is not apt to ripple. When the heat load is heavy, as heattransport proceeds, the intra-container pipe 7 comes to contact thevapor 12 as shown in FIG. 2 and the heat exchange capability increases.However, since the circulating solution flows fast and its temperatureis relatively low, the probability that the heat exchange with the vapor12 through the intra-container pipe 7 causes a boil is very low.

In this embodiment, the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9 mayproject into the first space 4 a as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet 8 of the pipe 9 should always belocated under the vapor-liquid interface in the first space 4 a, thatis, it should be located in the heat exchange circulating solution 1. Asthe heat exchange circulating solution container 4 is made longer in thevertical direction and the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9 ismade longer, the density difference increases, whereby the driving forcefor circulating the heat exchange circulating solution 1 is madestronger and the heat transport capacity is increased. However, if thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9 is too long, the pressureloss becomes unduly large: the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe9 should be designed so as to have an optimum length with this pointtaken into consideration.

The solution outlet 5 is to send out a heat exchange circulatingsolution 1. If vapor bubbles 13 enter the solution outflow pipe 6together with the heat exchange circulating solution 1, buoyancy iscreated in the direction opposite to the circulation direction of theheat exchange circulating solution 1 to lower its circulation flow rate.To prevent vapor bubbles 13 from entering the solution outflow pipe 6,it is preferable to provide the solution outlet 5 with a wire net or anobstruction plate whose mesh size is the same as or smaller than vaporbubbles 13.

In this embodiment, with regard to the positional relationships betweenthe heat exchange circulating solution container 4, the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10, and the heating heat exchanger 11, the onlyrequirement is that the heating heat exchanger 11 be located below theheat exchange circulating solution container 4. Except for thisrequirement, they may have different positional relationships thandescribed above. For example, the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger10 may be located above the heating heat exchanger 11 and the heatexchange circulating solution container 4.

If the distance between the heating heat exchanger 11 and thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet 8 of the heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4 is sufficiently long, the buoyancy acting on theheat exchange circulating solution 1 in this pipe portion 9 a enablescirculation of the heat exchange circulating solution 1. Therefore, theheating heat exchanger 11 can be oriented horizontally. FIG. 4 is asectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-lift pump type heattransport apparatus in which the heating heat exchanger 11 is orientedhorizontally. This enables heat transport from a horizontal surface.

In this case, it is even preferable that the outlet-side portion of theheating heat exchanger 11 be slightly inclined upward.

Although, in FIG. 4, a boil starts in the portion of the pipe 9 to whichthe heating heat exchanger 11 is attached, there may occur a case that aboil starts in the pipe 9 a (called flash vaporization) rather than inthat portion of the pipe 9. The flash vaporization occurs in thefollowing manner. A boil does not occur in a low region because of ahigh pressure head. As the position goes upward, the pressure headdecreases (and becomes lower than the saturation pressure of thesolution 1). A boil starts somewhere in a high region. Even in thiscase, the buoyancy acting on the heat exchange circulating solution 1 inthe pipe 9 a enables the solution 1 to circulate. Therefore, the heatingheat exchanger 11 can be oriented horizontally.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the vapor space of the firstspace 4 a not communicate with the environmental space (i.e., theexternal air). In contrast, the vapor space of the second space 4 b maycommunicate with the environmental space.

The partition 3 serves for heat exchange between the first space 4 a andthe second space 4 b. Fins or the like may be provided on both surfacesof the partition 3.

As described above, in the heat transport apparatus according to thefirst embodiment, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 is circulatedcontinuously through the apparatus by utilizing the density differenceoccurring in the solution 1 without using external motive power.Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transported in every direction(e.g., in the horizontal direction, upward, or downward). Long-distancetransport is also enabled. Since no pump or the like having a movableportion is used, the apparatus is highly durable and reliable, compact,and light.

Further, since the inside space of the heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4 is divided by the partition 3 having the opening 2and pressure increase in the apparatus is thereby suppressedautomatically, the heat resistance is small and the heat transportcapacity is increased. A large amount of heat can be transported even inthe case where the temperature difference between the heating heatexchanger 11 and the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is small.Since the position of the vapor-liquid interface is self-adjusted inaccordance with the heat load, heat can be transported stably in a wideload range from a light heat load to a heavy heat load.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a second embodiment ofthe invention. In the embodiments of the invention, the same componentsor components corresponding to each other are given the same referencesymbol. As shown in FIG. 5, as in the first embodiment, the heatexchange circulating solution container 4 is divided by the partition 3into the first space 4 a and the second space 4 b. However, in thesecond embodiment, the first space 4 a is the outside space and theintra-container pipe 7 is provided spirally in the first space 4 a so asto surround the inside second space 4 b. Even with this configuration,the same advantages as in the first embodiment can be provided.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the secondembodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 is divided by the partition 3 into the first space 4 a andthe second space 4 b and, as in the case of FIG. 5, the first space 4 ais the outside space. However, the intra-container pipe 7 is providedspirally adjacent to the container outer wall that defines the firstspace 4 a so as to surround the first space 4 a. Even with thisconfiguration, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 that flowsthrough the intra-container pipe 7 can exchange heat with the heatexchange circulating solution 1 in the first space 4 a or the heatexchange circulating solution 1 in the first space 4 a and the vapor 12produced from the solution 1. This apparatus can provide the sameadvantages as the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 5.

In the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6, it is possible to make the solution 1in the intra-container pipe 7 not prone to boil and to make thecirculation flow rate not apt to ripple by adjusting the vapor-liquidinterface in the container 4 so that all or most of the intra-containerpipe 7 exchanges heat only with the heat exchange circulating solution 1in the first space 4 a in an initial state of heat transfer.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a third embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration ofanother vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to thethird embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, this apparatus is not suchthat the internal space of the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 is divided by the partition 3. Instead, a second heatexchange circulating solution container 4 d is provided outside a firstheat exchange circulating solution container 4 c and connected to thecontainer 4 c. The first heat exchange circulating solution container 4c and the second heat exchange circulating solution container 4 dperform functions corresponding to the functions of the first space 4 aand the second space 4 b of the first embodiment, respectively.

As for the location of the second heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 d, the only requirement is that it should be connected to abottom portion of the first heat exchange circulating solution container4 c except the portion to which the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflowpipe 9 is connected which is provided between the first heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 c and the heating heat exchanger 11.The location of the second heat exchange circulating solution container4 d is not limited to the locations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Even with the above configuration, as in the first embodiment, theincrease of the internal pressure and hence the increase the systemsaturation temperature can be suppressed and the heat resistance can bereduced. Absent complicated work of placing the partition 3 in the heatexchange circulating solution container 4, the apparatus can bemanufactured easily.

The temperature inside the second heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 d may be controlled by providing a heating device such as aheater in the second heat exchange circulating solution container 4 d oron its outer wall surface, in which case the internal pressure of thefirst heat exchange circulating solution container 4 c can be adjusted,the boiling temperature inside the heating heat exchanger 11 can becontrolled, and the temperature of the heating heat exchanger 11 can beadjusted.

There may occur a case that good results are obtained by confining anon-condensing gas such as air in the second heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4 d and adjusting the pressure inside the first heatexchange circulating solution container 4 c utilizing the expansion andcontraction of the non-condensing gas. Where a heater is provided on theouter wall surface of the container 4 d, a porous member such as a wirenet may be attached to its inner wall surface, in which case theinternal wall surface is always kept wetted with the heat exchangecirculating solution and hence temperature increase due to drying of theinternal wall surface of the container 4 d.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. 9, this apparatus is not such that theinternal space of the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 isdivided by the partition 3 having the opening 2. Instead, the heatexchange circulating solution container 4 communicates with theenvironmental space through an opening 15 that is provided at the top ofthe container 4.

Since the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 communicateswith the environmental space, the pressure inside the apparatus isalways equal to the environment pressure and does not increase. Sincethe pressure inside the apparatus does not increase, the saturationtemperature inside the apparatus is always equal to the saturationtemperature under the environment pressure and increase of thesaturation temperature can thus be prevented. In this embodiment, sincepressure increase in the container 4 can be prevented, the limitationsrelating to the withstand pressure design can be relaxed: the walls ofthe apparatus can be made thinner and hence the apparatus can be reducedin weight and cost. As for the manufacture of the container 4, it ismerely required to be free of solution leakage. Not required to beairtight, the container 4 can be manufactured easily. Since thecontainer 4 need not be a vacuum container, the solution confining workbecomes easier. However, a proper measure is needed to prevent entranceof dust through the opening 15 and shortage of the solution 1 due tovapor leakage through the opening 15, and regular maintenance isnecessary.

In this embodiment, as described above, since the internal space of thecontainer 4 communicates with the environmental space through theopening 15, the pressure inside the apparatus is always constant andalmost no variation occurs in the position of the vapor-liquid interfaceeven if the heat load increases. With this configuration, if most of theintra-container pipe 7 were in contact with the heat exchangecirculating solution 1 and only a small part of the intra-container pipe7 were in contact with the vapor 12 in an initial state of heat transferas in the case of the above embodiments, the heat exchange in thecontainer 4 would become insufficient because almost no variation occursin the position of the vapor-liquid interface even if the heat loadincreases. In this embodiment, for example, the intra-container pipe 7penetrates through the container 4 vertically and a large part of theintra-container pipe 7 is always in contact with the vapor 12 and theheat exchange circulating solution 1. As a result, the heat exchange inthe container 4 can be performed sufficiently even with a heavy heatload.

Embodiment 5

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a fifth embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, two circulatingsolution transport pipes A are connected to the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4. Providing two or more circulatingsolution transport pipes A increases the heat transmission area andlowers the heat resistance. Further, the heat transport from distributedhigh-temperature heat sources or to distributed low-temperature heatsources is facilitated. Still further, since the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 is shared by a plurality of circulatingsolution transport pipes A, the space occupied by the apparatus issmaller than in a case that a plurality of apparatus are installed.

Embodiment 6

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the circulatingsolution transport pipe A is such that each of the portion of thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9 to which the heating heatexchanger 11 is attached, the portion of the solution outflow pipe 6 towhich the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is attached, and theintra-container pipe 7 is divided into a plurality of parts by using adistribution container 16 a and a collection container 16 b.

This configuration increases the heat transmission area of each portionand reduces the heat resistance and the friction pressure loss. Further,the heat emission or collection to or from a planar, curved, orshapeless fluid is facilitated. Still further, narrow pipes may be usedas a plurality of divisional circulating solution transport pipesprovided between the distribution container 16 a and a collectioncontainer 16 b, in which case the heat transmission efficiency isincreased and the heat transmission characteristic is further improved.

Embodiment 7

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a seventh embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the circulatingsolution transport pipe A consists of one vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinflow pipe 9, one solution outflow pipe 9, two intra-container pipes 7and 7 a, and one first extra-container pipe (i.e., fourth transportpassage) 6 a provided between the two intra-container pipes 7 and 7 a.The extra-container pipe 6 a is provided with the same sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10 as the one attached to the solution outflowpipe 6.

This configuration increases the heat transmission area in the container4 and that of the portions to which the sensible heat releasing heatexchangers 10 are attached and reduces the heat resistance.

The number of parallel flow passages of the circulating solutiontransport pipe A may further be increased by using two or more firstextra-container pipes 6 a and three or more intra-container pipes 7 and7 a, in which case the friction pressure loss that occurs when the heatexchange circulating solution 1 flows through the circulating solutiontransport pipe A once can be reduced and the circulation flow rate ofthe circulating solution 1 can thereby be increased (the sensible heattransport capacity is increased). As a result, the total heat resistanceis reduced and hence it becomes possible to transport a large amount ofheat even if the temperature difference between the heating heatexchanger 11 and the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is small.Further, the heat emission or collection to or from a planar surface ofa solid body, a curved or shapeless fluid, or the like is facilitated.

In this embodiment, different sensible heat releasing heat exchangers10, 10 a may be attached to the solution outflow pipe 6 and theextra-container pipe 6 a.

In this embodiment, the intra-container pipe 7 a that is closest to theheating heat exchanger 11 except for the intra-container pipe 7 may beremoved from the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 andprovided with another heating heat exchanger 11 a. That is, as shown inFIG. 13, a second extra-container pipe (i.e., fifth transport passage) 7b that is provided with the heating heat exchanger 11 a and a sensibleheat releasing heat exchanger 10 b may be provided between the solutionoutflow pipe (first transport passage) 6 and the intra-container pipe(second transport passage) 7. A plurality of second extra-containerpipes (fifth transport passages) 7 b may be provided.

This configuration makes it possible to collect and transport heat fromdistributed heat sources with the single heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4. And the apparatus is made compact.

Further, by controlling the heating heat exchanger 11 (e.g., a heater isprovided as the heating heat exchanger 11 and the electric powersupplied to the heater is adjusted), the circulation flow rate of theheat exchange circulating solution 1 can be adjusted and the temperatureof the other heating heat exchanger 11 a can be adjusted while heat istransported from it.

Embodiment 8

FIGS. 14A-14C are sectional views showing the configuration of anvapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to an eighthembodiment of the invention. FIGS. 14A and 14B are sectional views takenalong lines A-A and B-B in FIG. 14C, respectively.

In this embodiment, a heat exchange circulating solution container 4contains a heat exchange circulating solution 1 whose temperature isincreased to a high temperature and vapor 12. The heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 is provided with a solution outlet 5through which to send out a heat exchange-circulating solution 1 fromthe container 4 and a solution inlet 80 through which to introduce aheat exchange circulating solution 1 into the container 4. A circulatingsolution transport pipe A is connected to the solution inlet 80 and thesolution outlet 5 of the container 4 to form a circulating solutiontransport passage through which the heat exchange circulating solution 1circulates.

The circulating solution transport pipe A includes a solution outflowpipe (first transport passage) 6 that is connected to the solutionoutlet 5, an intra-container pipe (second transport passage) 7 that goesthrough the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 and allowsthe heat exchange circulating solution 1 in the pipe 7 to exchange heatwith the heat exchange circulating solution 1 in the container 4, and asolution inflow pipe (third transport passage) 90 that is connected tothe solution inlet 80. A heat exchange circulating solution 1 goes outof the heat exchange circulating solution container 4, goes through thesolution outflow pipe 6, the intra-container pipe 7, and the solutioninflow pipe 90, and returns to the container 4. The solution outflowpipe 6 of the circulating solution transport pipe A is provided with asensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10. The solution inflow pipe 90is provided with a heating heat exchanger 11.

The solution inflow pipe 90 which is provided with the heating heatexchanger 11 projects into the container 4 and the solution inlet 80 islocated under the vapor-liquid interface in the container 4. A projectedpipe portion 90 a that is located between the solution inlet 80 and theheating heat exchanger 11 in the container 4 is in contact with theintra-container pipe 7, whereby the heat exchange circulating solution 1in the intra-container pipe 7 exchanges heat with the heat exchangecirculating solution 1 in the pipe 90 a and vapor bubbles 13 in the pipe90 a produced from the heat exchange circulating solution 1.

Vapor bubbles 13 may enter the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4 through the solution inlet 80. Those vapor bubbles 13condense because the heat exchange circulating solution 1 or vaporbubbles 13 in the container 4 contact the intra-container pipe 7 andexchange heat there. Since the amount of vapor bubbles 13 in thesolution inflow pipe 90 varies, it is necessary that the solution 1 beconfined so that a space for accommodating vapor 12 is formed in thecontainer 4.

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, the portion of the solution inflow pipe 90between the heating heat exchanger 11 and the solution inlet 80 isdivided into a plurality of parts using a distribution container 16 a.As in the case of the sixth embodiment, the intra-container pipe 7 isdivided into a plurality of parts using a distribution container 16 aand a collection container 16 b.

The heat exchange circulating solution container 4 is not divided by apartition 3 and hence has only a first space.

In this embodiment, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 in thesolution inflow pipe 90 is boiled by means of the heating heat exchanger11. Resulting vapor bubbles 13 condense in the pipe portion 90 a whichis in contact with the intra-container pipe 7 and a resulting heatexchange circulating solution 1 is introduced into the container 4through the solution inlet 80. As the heat load increases, the amount ofvapor in the pipe portion 90 a increases and hence the area of theportion where condensation occurs and the force for stirring thesolution 1 increase, whereby the heat exchange comes to be performedmore efficiently. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat transmissioncharacteristic of the pipe portion 90 a varies with a variation of theamount of vapor therein, whereby pressure increase in the apparatus canbe suppressed automatically. As a result, the heat resistance is reducedand the heat transport capability is increased. That is, as in the caseof the first embodiment, the heat exchange characteristic in the heatexchange circulating solution container 4 is enhanced as the heat loadincreases.

In the heat transport apparatus according to this embodiment, as in thefirst embodiment, the heat exchange circulating solution 1 is circulatedcontinuously through the apparatus by utilizing the density differenceoccurring in the solution 1 without using external motive power.Therefore, a large amount of heat can be transported in every direction.Long-distance transport is also enabled. Since no pump or the likehaving a movable portion is used, the apparatus is highly durable andreliable, compact, and light.

Further, since the heat transmission characteristic of the pipe portion90 a varies with a variation of the amount of vapor therein and pressureincrease in the apparatus is thereby suppressed automatically, the heatresistance is small and the heat transport capacity is increased.

A large amount of heat can be transported even in the case where thetemperature difference between the heating heat exchanger 11 and thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is small.

Since the intra-container pipe 7 is provided under the vapor-liquidinterface in the heat exchange circulating solution container 4, aripple that would otherwise occur in the circulation flow rate in alight heat load condition does not occur and heat can be transportedstably in a wide load range from a light heat load to a heavy heat load.

If heat is transmitted directly from the heating heat exchanger 11 tothe intra-container pipe (second transport passage) 7, the amount ofvapor generated decreases to lower the circulation flow rate of the heatexchange circulating solution 1. Therefore, it is preferable to providea heat insulation groove between the heating heat exchanger 11 and theintra-container pipe 7.

Embodiment 9

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a ninth embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, an emission heatexchanger 17 is provided around the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer 4.

With this measure, the heat that is input from the heating heatexchanger 11 can be transported to both the emission heat exchanger 17and the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10, whereby the heatemission capability is increased.

The emission heat exchanger 17 is a heat receiving portion of anotherheat transport apparatus. Heat emission may be attained by exposing theouter wall surface of the heat exchange circulating solution container 4directly to an environment fluid and utilizing water cooling, naturalair cooling, forced air cooling (including use of a wind received duringrunning), or radiation. Fins may be attached to the outer wall surface.

The above configuration is mainly intended for heat emission. The outerwall surface may be heat-insulated when it is necessary to reduce theheat emission rate. For example, an operation is possible in which for acertain period the outer wall surface is exposed to increase the heatemission rate and for an another period the outer wall surface issurrounded by a heat insulation cover to transport heat to the sensibleheat releasing heat exchanger 10.

If the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is used as a heatingdevice and the heat emission heat exchanger 17 as a heat emissiondevice, heat can be transported upward. Heat can thus be transported inboth directions.

Embodiment 10

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a 10th embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the main body of aheat transport apparatus according to the invention is incorporated in aloop container 18. More specifically, the heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4 consisting of the first space 4 a and the secondspace 4 b is housed in the loop container 18 and the heating heatexchanger 11 and the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 are incontact with the loop container 18. The intra-container pipe 7, thevapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9, and the solution outflowpipe 6 that constitute the circulating solution transport pipe A arehoused in the loop container 18 so as to be provided spirally in thefirst space 4 a, the portion to which the heating heat exchanger 11 isattached, and the portion to which the sensible heat releasing heatexchanger 10 is attached, respectively. This configuration allows theheat transport apparatus to be buried in soil, a wall of a building, orthe like.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the configuration of anothervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the 10thembodiment. In the vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus shownin FIG. 17, a partition plate 19 is provided in each of the portion ofthe loop container 18 that is in contact with the heating heat exchanger11 and the portion of the loop container 18 that is in contact with thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 and a proper amount of heatexchange solution 20 is confined in each space thus formed.

This configuration makes it possible to lower the contact heatresistance between the circulating solution transport pipe A and theloop container 18 and to thereby improve the heat transportcharacteristic.

The loop container 18 has a role of exchanging heat with soil, anenvironment fluid, a heat receiving portion, or a heat emission portion.Fins may be attached to the inner and outer wall surfaces of the loopcontainer 18. In particular, spiral fins may be provided around the wallof the portion of the loop container 18 to which the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10 is attached, in which case the burying ofthe heat transport apparatus in soil is further facilitated.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a furthervapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the 10thembodiment. The vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus shown inFIG. 18 is a quadruple-pipe-structure version of the vapor-lift pumptype heat transport apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. Inthis case, as shown in FIG. 18, it is preferable that heat insulatingmembers (including air insulation and vacuum insulation) 20 a beprovided for unnecessary heat exchange portions to lower the degree ofheat exchange there.

This configuration makes it possible to manufacture the apparatus moreeasily and to reduce the cost.

Embodiment 11

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to an 11th embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, an auxiliaryheater 21 is attached to the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inflow pipe 9at a halfway position.

With this measure, even when the temperature difference between theheating heat exchanger 10 and the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger11 is small and the heat exchange circulating solution 1 in the heatingheat exchanger 10 does not boil, the heat exchange circulating solution1 can be boiled by heating it by energizing the auxiliary heater 21 andis allowed to flow through the circulating solution transport pipe A.Heat can be transported even when the temperature difference is small.

The auxiliary heater 21 may be disposed below the heating heat exchanger10 (see FIG. 19) or above the heating heat exchanger 10 as long as itcan cause elevation of the solution 1 in the vapor-liquid two-phasefluid inflow pipe 9.

The inner surface of the portion of the pipe 9 to which the auxiliaryheater 21 or the heating heat exchanger 11 is attached may be providedwith gas bubble nuclei. The gas bubble nuclei have a role of maintainingpresence of gas on the above inner surface or a nearby fluid passage ina stable manner irrespective of a flow or stirring of a fluid, atemperature variation of a fluid or the passage wall, and other factors.The gas bubble nuclei may be scratches 22 formed on a pipe inner surfaceA₁ (see FIG. 20A) or spaces (reentrant cavities) 24 each of whichcommunicates with the flow passage of the fluid (heat exchangecirculating solution 1) via a conduit 23 (see FIG. 20B). The recessesshown in FIGS. 20A and 20B may be formed by mechanical or chemicalprocessing. Alternatively, a wire net may be spread on the innersurface. As a further alternative, as shown in FIG. 21, metal particles25 may be sintered on or joined to the pipe inner surface A₁ to form gasbubble nuclei 26.

With this structure, even when the temperature is low and the internalpressure is low, the residual gas in the gas bubble nuclei serve assources of generation of vapor bubbles 13, whereby vapor bubbles 13 canbe generated easily. Heat transport is started easily and the heatcharacteristic is improved. Further, a boil occurs easily even when thetemperature difference between the fluid in the pipe 9 and the innersurface of the portion of the pipe 9 to which the heating heat exchanger11 is attached is small. The heat characteristic is thus improved.

Embodiment 12

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an vapor-liftpump type heat transport apparatus according to a 12th embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the heat exchangecirculating solution container 4 is provided with solution outlets 5 and5 a at right and left ends. Branches of the solution outflow pipe 6 areconnected to the respective solution outlets 5 and 5 a and the trunksolution outflow pipe 6 is connected to the intra-container pipe 7.

When the vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus is mounted on avehicle, the vapor-liquid interface of the heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 in the heat exchange circulating solution container 4 movesdue to inclination of the apparatus and gravity to possibly cause anevent that the solution outlet 5 is exposed to the vapor space. At theoccurrence of such an event, vapor is introduced into the solutionoutflow pipe 6, as a result of which the circulation of the heatexchange circulating solution 1 is impaired and the heat transportcharacteristic becomes worse. In contrast, in this embodiment in whichthe heat exchange circulating solution container 4 is provided with aplurality of solution outlets 5 and 5 a, the branches of the solutionoutflow pipe 6 are connected to those solution outlets 5 and 5 a, andthe trunk solution outflow pipe 6 is connected to the intra-containerpipe 7, the apparatus is less prone to the influences of its right-leftor front-rear inclination and the direction of body force (e.g.,gravity).

FIGS. 23A and 23B are sectional views showing the configuration ofanother vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the12th embodiment. FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 23A. As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the heat exchange circulatingsolution container 4 is oriented horizontally and is provided withsolution outlets 5 and 5 a at the right and left ends. Branches of thesolution outflow pipe 6 are connected to the respective solution outlets5 and 5 a and the trunk solution outflow pipe 6 is connected to theintra-container pipe 7.

In this embodiment, the portion of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluidinflow pipe 9 to which the heating heat exchanger 11 is attached is acirculating solution transport pipe that is divided into a plurality ofparts by using a distribution container 16 a. The intra-container pipe 7is a circulating solution transport pipe that is divided into aplurality of parts by using a distribution container 16 a and acollection container 16 b.

This configuration provides the same advantages as the configuration ofFIG. 22 does.

Embodiment 13

FIGS. 24-17 show specific configurations of air-conditioning systems orair-conditioning assisting systems for a case or a building that employan vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to theinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the heating heat exchanger 11 is providedin a case 27 that protects heating bodies such as control apparatus andthe sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is provided in theenvironment air (as part of an outdoor apparatus 30) or in the ground(soil, sewage, or a heat accumulator (for later use of heat)) 29.

With the above configurations, heat can be transported with no load. Thetemperature variation in the case or the building can be reduced.Therefore, the energy can be saved by using the above systems as areplacement of an air-conditioning apparatus so far used or an assistingsystem of an air-conditioning apparatus so far used.

The installation location of the heating heat exchanger 11 is notlimited to the inside of the apparatus 27; the heating heat exchanger 11may be attached directly to heating bodies or installed in a case or onthe roof, the rooftop, the attic, or a side wall of a building on whichsunlight directly shines. The installation location of the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10 is not limited, either; it may be installedin a river, the sea, or the like.

FIG. 26 shows a building air-conditioning system and a floor heatingsystem as application examples. As shown in FIG. 26, a heat source 32 isinstalled on the rooftop of a building 31. The heat generated by theheat source 32 is transported by a heat transport apparatus 100according to the invention and used for floor heating (indicated bynumeral 33) and air-conditioning (indicated by numeral 34) of thebuilding.

Conventionally, in many building air-conditioning systems, heat istransported downward by means of a mechanically driven pump because aheat source and a heat sink are installed on the rooftop in view ofeasiness of installation, maintenance, and heat emission. If the heattransport apparatus according to the invention is used as part of such abuilding air-conditioning system, the mechanically driven pump is madeunnecessary and hence the energy that is necessary for transporting aheating medium can be reduced. Further, the noise that is generated bythe mechanically driven pump can be eliminated.

On the other hand, conventionally, floor heating is performed byintroducing, with a mechanically driven pump, an operating fluid whosetemperature has been increased by a boiler into a flow passage that isburied in a floor. The use of the heat transport apparatus according tothe invention in place of the mechanically driven pump makes it possibleto save the energy and eliminate the noise generated by the mechanicallydriven pump.

FIG. 27 shows an air-conditioning system for greenhouse cultivation asan application example. The agriculture has recently made furtheradvancements and many farm products have come to be produced bygreenhouse cultivation. Although there are cases that the temperatureand humidity management is performed automatically, the temperaturemanagement in greenhouses is performed manually in most cases and isvery complicated work.

Even in the latter case, as shown in FIG. 27, the temperature variationin a vinyl house 35 can be reduced by installing the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10 of the heat transport apparatus according tothe invention in soil 29 which is superior in the uniformity of heatdistribution. Conversely, the energy that is consumed by a boiler or thelike that has been used so far for keeping the temperature inside agreenhouse high can be reduced by increasing the temperature utilizinggeothermal energy.

Embodiment 14

FIG. 28 shows a specific configuration of an vapor-lift-pump type heattransport apparatus according to the invention that is used as anoutdoor measuring instrument cooling apparatus.

The internal heat generation density of outdoor measuring/controlapparatus and transformers (e.g., a transmission/distribution line relayand a traffic jam measuring instrument) has increased because of theirimprovements in performance, increase in capacity, and reduction insize. Their cooling methods are now an important issue. The cooling ofoutdoor apparatus greatly depends on the weather and a cooling apparatusthat is not influenced by the weather is now required. Air-cooling finsor the like are in many cases provided on the surface of a case, inwhich case problems arise that, for example, the cooling performance islowered due to stuffing with dust etc. and the fins or the like aredamaged because of bad weather (e.g., a typhoon). In desert areas, thecooling of a heating body is a serious issue because the environmenttemperature is very high in the daytime.

The above problems can be solved by using a heat transport apparatus 100according to the invention as a cooling apparatus for any of the aboveapparatus and installing the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10in soil 29 or inside a body that is hard to be destroyed such as autility pole 36, as shown in FIG. 28.

Embodiment 15

FIG. 29 shows a specific configuration of an vapor-lift-pump type heattransport apparatus according to the invention that is used forsuppression of a heat island phenomenon.

In cities, the surface of the ground is covered with concrete or asphaltin many areas and the proportion of green tracts of land is very small.As a result, the atmospheric temperature of a city area tends toincrease: what is called a heat island phenomenon.

The heat island phenomenon can be suppressed in the following manner. Asshown in FIG. 29, a heat transport apparatus 100 according to theinvention is used in such a manner that the heating heat exchanger 11 isprovided on a road surface 38 using a heat pipe 37 or on anair-conditioner outdoor apparatus 39 and the sensible heat releasingheat exchanger 10 is provided in soil 29, a river, sewage, or the like.Heat that is carried by sunlight and household waste heat are positivelytransported to the ground or the like. By virtue of the reduction of theenvironment temperature, the power that is consumed by air-conditioning(cooling) can be reduced, which greatly contributes to CO₂ reduction.

FIG. 30 shows a specific configuration of an vapor-lift-pump type heattransport apparatus according to the invention that is used for seasonalsnow melting or desert afforestation.

In winter, heavy snowfall areas have snow-related problems such as slipaccidents due to snow laid on roads and snow removal from roofs androads. The heat transport apparatus according to the 10th embodiment caneasily be buried in soil and can transport heat in both directions.Therefore, installing the heat transport apparatus 100 in the mannershown in FIG. 30 makes it possible to store solar energy in soil (or adedicated heat accumulator) 29 in summer and melting accumulated snow inwinter using the stored heat. This configuration provides manyadvantages that the apparatus operates with no load, requires nocontrol, is maintenance-free, and can be used in places such asmountainous regions where it is difficult to obtain electric power.

Similarly, the heat transport apparatus 100 is buried in desert sand,whereby solar energy is stored in soil in the daytime and the storedenergy is released to the atmosphere in the nighttime. This makes itpossible to suppress a large day-night temperature variation as well asto assist desert afforestation projects because the water evaporation issuppressed.

Embodiment 16

FIGS. 31A and 31B show a specific configuration of a pumpless watercooling system that employs an vapor-lift-pump type heat transportapparatus according to the invention.

The amount of heat generated by electronic apparatus mounted on trainsand automobiles are increasing year by year and the current situation issuch that conventional air cooling is insufficient and water cooling isrequired. However, the transition from an air cooling system to a watercooling system is associated with many problems: cost increase, therestrict ion of the installation location (mainly due to the pumpinstallation location and the necessity of shortening of a cooling waterpipe), the reliability issue, the necessity of maintenance, etc. The useof the heat transport apparatus according to the invention dispenseswith a circulation pump and hence requires no space for itsinstallation. Further, since the heat transport apparatus according tothe invention can be installed in a flexible manner, the restriction ofthe installation location can be relaxed.

FIGS. 31A and 31B show a specific configuration according to thisembodiment. The first space, the heating heat exchanger 11, adistribution container, and a collection container are integratedtogether and provided in an electric equipment unit 40. The sensibleheat releasing heat exchanger 10 is attached to a fan 41. Thisconfiguration makes it possible to realize a highly reliable, compactwater cooling system at a low cost. In conventional cooling systems,convection heat transmission is utilized to transport heat from aheating body to cooling water. The heat transmission surface needs to beprovided with many fins to increase the heat transmission area and thecost is increased by manufacture of the fins. In contrast, in theinvention, the heat transmission characteristic is good by virtue of useof the heat transmission by convection of a boiled solution and themanufacture of fins is not always necessary for this portion. The costcan thus be reduced.

Embodiment 17

FIG. 32 show a specific configuration of a high-efficiency incineratorthat employs vapor-lift-pump type heat transport apparatus according tothe invention.

In general, incinerators take in low-temperature fresh air and exhaustshigh-temperature gas generated by combustion utilizing the chimneyeffect. The combustion temperature and the combustion efficiency are lowbecause of the intake of low-temperature air, and a tall chimney needsto be installed.

As shown in FIG. 32, with a heat transport apparatus 101 according tothe invention, the thermal energy retained by high-temperature gas 43that is output from a combustion chamber 42 is given to air 45 that istaken in through a ventilation passage 44, whereby high-temperaturefresh air is supplied naturally to the combustion chamber 42. With aheat transport apparatus 102 according to the invention, the thermalenergy retained by the high-temperature gas 43 is given to refuse 46being transported to the combustion chamber 42. The refuse 46 is therebyheated preliminarily and dehydrated, as a result of which the combustionefficiency can be increased. It is not necessary to install a tallchimney. Further, the above configuration increases the combustiontemperature and hence can suppress the generation of harmful dioxin,which is a problem particularly in small incinerators.

In large incinerators, a chemical processing machine 47 is provided toremove toxic components from exhaust gas and the temperature of theexhaust gas needs to be reduced there several times. For final dischargeof the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is heated again and therebyconverted into a high-temperature gas. A heat transport apparatus 103according to the invention is used in this section to transport thethermal energy retained by the high-temperature gas 43 to the exhaustgas to be discharged finally. This contributes to effective use of thethermal energy. Although not shown in FIG. 32, the heat that is producedin removing toxic components may be transported by another heattransport apparatus according to the invention so as to be given toexhaust gas to be discharged finally. This also contributes to effectiveuse of the thermal energy.

Further, it is possible to refine low-melting-point metals of collectedempty cans by utilizing the energy produced by combustion by using aheat transport apparatus according to the invention. A high-efficiencyrefinery can be constructed in which refuse collection and refiningoperation are fused together.

Still further, coupling a power generation system (utilizing thecirculation of the heat exchange circulating solution 1) to a heattransport apparatus according to the invention makes it possible toperform refuse power generation.

Embodiment 18

FIG. 33 shows the configuration of a hybrid heat utilization system thatemploys an vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according tothe invention.

As shown in FIG. 33, the heating heat exchanger 11 of a heat transportapparatus according to the invention is attached to a solar panel 48 anda magnetic fluid, for example, is confined as the heat exchangecirculating solution 1. Lead wires 49 are wound on the circulatingsolution transport pipe A. With this configuration, not only can thepower generation capability of the solar panel 48 be prevented bylowering the temperature of the solar panel 48 but also electric powercan be generated because circulation of the heat exchange circulatingsolution 1 induces currents flowing through the lead wires 49. Further,the sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 may be disposed so as tobe in contact with a heat accumulator (e.g., water in a heat insulatingcontainer). The stored heat can be used for another purpose (e.g., aswarm water for home use).

Embodiment 19

FIG. 34 shows a specific configuration of an application example inwhich an vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to theinvention is used for drawing deep-sea water which is now attractingmuch attention for artificial construction of good fisheries and for useas drinking and cosmetics materials.

As shown in FIG. 34, the heating heat exchangers 11 of a heat transportapparatus 100 according to the invention is installed inhigh-temperature seawater of a shallow part of the sea or in the air onwhich sunlight shines. The sensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 isprovided in a bottom portion of a cylindrical pipe 50 that is disposedso as to connect deep-sea water and the surface of the sea. With thisconfiguration, the deep-sea water inside the bottom portion of thecylindrical pipe 50 is increased in temperature and elevated naturallythrough the cylindrical pipe 50 because of the buoyancy produced by thedensity difference between the deep-sea water and the ambientlow-temperature seawater. The deep-sea water can thus be drawn easily.

Embodiment 20

FIG. 35 shows a specific configuration of a desalination plant thatemploys an vapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according tothe invention.

The technology of desalinating seawater by evaporating it utilizingsunlight and condensing generated vapor in a separate container iswidely used. However, no heat sink for condensation exists in many ofregions where desalination is performed.

As shown in FIG. 35, the heating heat exchangers 11 of a heat transportapparatus 100 according to the invention are installed in a passage ofvapor 51 that is produced by evaporating seawater 52 by sunlight and thesensible heat releasing heat exchangers 10 of the heat transportapparatus 100 are installed in soil 29. Utilizing cold energy in thesoil 29 makes it possible to desalinate the seawater 52 into fresh water53 at high efficiency. Desalination can be performed at any location.

Low-temperature seawater may be used instead of soil as a heat sink.

A portable emergency desalination apparatus for use at the time of anaccident can be implemented similarly.

Embodiment 21

FIGS. 36 and 37 show specific configurations of examples in which anvapor-lift pump type heat transport apparatus according to the inventionis used for construction of lunar living quarters.

The development of the space aviation technologies has made it possibleto send humans to the moon. However, a temperature variation of about300 K occurs on the moon's surface temperature: the temperatureincreases to 150° C. or more with incidence of sunlight and may decreaseto −150° C. or less without incidence of sunlight. As a result, ordinarysolid bodies are destroyed by thermal stress and the moon's surface islike a desert. Therefore, even if some structure is constructed on themoon's surface, its life will be short.

FIG. 36 shows an example in which a heat transport apparatus accordingto the invention is used in such a manner that the heating heatexchanger 11 is buried in the wall and roof of a structure 54 and thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 is buried in the ground of themoon's surface 55 so as to use the ground as a heat accumulator. Thismakes it possible to reduce the temperature variation of the ground tothereby increase the life of the structure. In this case, as shown inFIG. 36, to reduce the range of the circumferential temperaturedistribution, it is desirable that a loop heat pipe 56 be disposedinside or outside the heating heat exchanger 11. The heat stored in theground by the heat pipe 57 may be transported to the floor of thestructure 54.

If a structure 54 is constructed in a space that is always in the shadowof a crater 58, the temperature variation will be small and the life ofthe structure 54 will be increased. However, to enable human habitation,the internal temperature of the structure 54 should be keptapproximately the same as the environment temperature of the earth. Onemethod for that purpose is to generate electric power using a solarpanel and control the internal temperature using that electric power.However, should that system fails, the internal temperature willdecrease to −150° C. or less. In view of the above, as shown in FIG. 37,a temperature compensation system for the structure 54 may be providedin the following manner. The heating heat exchanger 11 is disposed on aground surface or a surface layer that receives sunlight. A heattransport apparatus 101 according to the invention stores solar energyincident on the surface, and a heat transport apparatus 102 according tothe invention, a heat pipe, or the like transports the heat stored inthe ground to the structure 54. This system makes it possible to reducethe energy that is used for the internal temperature control and tosecure a minimum temperature environment that allows human habitationeven in case of an emergency.

The above-described techniques enable human habitation on the moon'ssurface and promote the space aviation, astronomical observation, andzero-gravity processing technologies.

Embodiment 22

The heat transport apparatus according to the invention can also beapplied to construction of a recycling-oriented society system.

Studies are now being made of a recycling-oriented society system, inparticular, an energy long-distance transport technology, as an energysaving method and one of countermeasures against the global warming.However, conventional heat transport technologies are hard to implementbecause of problems relating to the use of energy and the heightdifference. The invention makes it possible to realize cities withhigh-efficiency energy circulation that are connected to each other byheat transport apparatus according to the invention because the heattransport apparatus according to the invention can transport heat inevery direction with no motive power and vertical snaking of a flowpassage is not problematic because of the sensible heat transport.

Embodiment 23

The heat transport apparatus according to the invention can also beapplied to the utilization of basements in connection with theconstruction of high-rise houses. Although the desire for acquisition ofa house is still high at the present time, it is very difficult to finda convenient piece of land and the prices of land for construction ofhouses are still high. In these circumstances, many houses whose totalfloor spaces are wide though the land areas are small have come to beconstructed with a transition from two-story houses which were commonpreviously to three and four-story houses. However, no advancements havebeen made so far in the utilization of basements though it has beenintended. This is because underground spaces tend to be humid because ofdifficulty in ventilation and hence are not suitable for not only livingspaces but also storage spaces.

FIG. 38 shows an example in which passages 59 and 60 are formed in wallsof a house so as to communicate with the basement 61 and the rooftop. Aheat transport apparatus 100 according to the invention is installed inthe one passage 59 in such a manner that the heating heat exchanger 11is attached to the wall surface and the sensible heat releasing heatexchanger 10 is disposed in the bottom portion of the passage 59. Withthis configuration, the temperature of the air in the bottom portion ofthe passage 47 is increased and the heat and the air are transported tothe rooftop through the passage 59 (chimney effect). Since fresh air isintroduced into the basement 61 through the other passage 60 whichcommunicates with the basement 61, the basement 61 does not become aspace that is humid and contains stale air. The invention can provide acomfortable living space underground.

Embodiment 24

The heat transport apparatus according to the invention can also beapplied to the cooling of electronic apparatus such as personalcomputers. In current personal computers that have large heat generationrates, heat emission by forced air cooling is performed by using a fan.Although fans are being improved in silence, further increase in silenceis desired.

Effective heat emission can be attained without a fan by disposing thesensible heat releasing heat exchanger 10 which is of a natural aircooling type in a wide bottom or side space of a personal computer andthe CPU which generates heat is attached to the vapor-liquid two-phasefluid inflow pipe 9. A case wall may be used as the sensible heatreleasing heat exchanger 10. In this manner, a fanless heat emissionsystem can be constructed and a low-noise personal computer can beprovided.

While the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen shown and described. It is to be understood that these disclosuresare for the purpose of illustration and that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatuscomprising: a heat exchange circulating solution container that containsa heat exchange circulating solution and vapor of the heat exchangecirculating solution; solution outlets through which the heat exchangecirculating solution is output from the container, the solution outletsbeing located at opposite ends of the container; a two-phase fluid inletthrough which a two-phase fluid consisting of the heat exchangecirculating solution at a high temperature and vapor bubbles of the heatexchange circulating solution is input into the container; and a firsttransport passage connected to the solution outlets and including asensible heat releasing heat exchanger, a second transport passagethrough which an inside heat exchange circulating solution exchangesheat with the heat exchange circulating solution in the container orwith the heat exchange circulating solution and the vapor of the heatexchange circulating solution in the container, and a third transportpassage connected to the two-phase fluid inlet and including a heatingheat exchanger, wherein both of the first and third transport passagesare connected to the second transport passage, and the first transportpassage includes two branches connected to two respective solutionoutlets and which merge at an intermediate position into a trunk passagethat is connected to the second transport passage.
 22. The vapor-liftpump heat transport apparatus according to claim 21, wherein a portionof the third transport passage, located at the heating heat exchanger,is divided into a plurality of parts forming parallel flow passages. 23.The vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus according to claim 22,including a plurality of the two-phase fluid inlets.
 24. The vapor-liftpump heat transport apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the secondtransport passage includes a plurality of circulating solution transportpipes, a distribution container disposed upstream of the circulatingsolution transport pipes, and a collection container disposed downstreamof the circulating solution transport pipes.
 25. The vapor-lift pumpheat transport apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the heatexchange circulating solution container contains a non-condensed gasmixed with the vapor of the heat exchange circulating solution.
 26. Thevapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus according to claim 22, whereinthe heat exchange circulating solution container contains anon-condensed gas mixed with the vapor of the heat exchange circulatingsolution.
 27. The vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the heat exchange circulating solution containercontains a non-condensed gas mixed with the vapor of the heat exchangecirculating solution.
 28. The vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatusaccording to claim 24, wherein the heat exchange circulating solutioncontainer contains a non-condensed gas mixed with the vapor of the heatexchange circulating solution.